News

Uzbekistan NOC President supports AIBA Interim President

July 31, 2018

Tashkent, Uzbekistan – July 30, 2018 – On a recent trip to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, an official meeting was held between the AIBA Interim President Gafur Rahimov and the President of the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan Umid Akhmatdjanov.

During the meeting, which took place at the NOC headquarters in the Uzbekistan capital, a variety of topics, including among others, the promotion of boxing in Uzbekistan, the progress being made at AIBA and future collaborations were discussed.

Umid Akhmatdjanov, President of the Uzbekistan NOC said, “It is with great pleasure that we cordially welcomed Mr. Rahimov, the AIBA Interim President and Vice-President of the Olympic Council of Asia to our office. Being able to welcome the head of a prestigious international federation, especially someone who has positively contributed to the promotion of boxing in Uzbekistan as well as the Olympic Movement as a whole is a great honor for us.”

Mr. Akhmatdjanov further praised Mr. Rahimov saying, “Since Mr. Rahimov came into the position of AIBA chief, we have seen great efforts being made by the new administration. The organisation has made tremendous progress by starting broad reforms to eradicate the shortcoming of the past and is striving towards a bright future within the Olympic family. We are proud that AIBA, one of the largest and oldest international federations, is being leaded by a representative of Uzbekistan. We support Mr. Rahimov in his continued efforts to develop boxing and look forward to working together in the future.”

Gafur Rahimov, Interim President of AIBA said “It gives me great pleasure to be back in my home country of Uzbekistan. I would first like to thank President Akhmatdjanov for a very productive meeting. Under his guidance and tireless efforts, the sport in Uzbekistan is rapidly improving especially in boxing.”

Mr. Rahimov also commented on the positive development happening in Uzbekistan, stating “I am happy that the country is rapidly developing thanks to the unprecedented reforms in all spheres which have been initiated by the President of Uzbekistan His Excellency Mr Shavkat Mirziyoyev these last two years. These revolutionary reforms are widely welcomed by the international community, and praised and supported by the people of Uzbekistan. Indeed, under the leadership of Mr Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has become a new country, open to the world and modernisation.”

The sport of Boxing is very popular in Uzbekistan, the Uzbek boxers were the best among other boxing teams at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics winning three gold, two silver and two bronze medals in Boxing. Uzbekistan has expressed interest in welcoming large AIBA international competitions and events.